What's Holding Back This BMW 3 Series Key Fob Industry?
What's Holding Back This BMW 3 Series Key Fob Industry?
Blog Article
The Benefits of a BMW 3 Series Key Fob
The BMW Display Key goes far beyond the ordinary key fob by incorporating an all-color touchscreen. It comes with a range of useful features that are accessible by simply swiping your finger.
The majority of BMW key fobs are able to withstand day-to-day moisture levels, so keeping it in your pocket during a rainy day is unlikely to cause any damage. It is important to keep the battery up-to-date.
Keyless Entry
A BMW key fob does so more than just a means to unlock your car or turn it on. It's also a highly secure security device that can help protect both your vehicle and its contents from theft. It is therefore crucial to keep the BMW key fob charged, and in sync with your vehicle. Place it in a secure place when it's not in use to prevent it from getting lost or stolen.
You'll almost certainly have to replace your BMW key fob battery at some point in its life. Fortunately, the procedure for doing so is simple. First find the ignition switch on your BMW key fob and ensure that it is turned off. Remove the key fob and remove it carefully from the battery. Replace it with a brand new one (size CR2032), and then carefully insert the cover back into the key fob. After the new battery is in position, press and hold the lock button until you hear the click (without turning on the engine). Once you've completed this, your doors will lock and unlock automatically, indicating that the BMW key fob is programmed.
Your BMW might also come with a feature called Comfort Access that lets you open and close your car with a key fob or smartphone. To activate this feature, you'll need a compatible iPhone and the Apple Wallet app. Once you have those things, simply put your iPhone in the Smart Key Tray inside your BMW and then follow the instructions on the Wallet app to pair it with your vehicle's key fob.
You can follow the same method to program additional key fobs or a replacement, but you may need to disable the existing ones first. Keep your BMW key fob out of water since it can cause damage to the touchscreen. Be sure to not expose the key fob to direct sunlight as it can permanently damage the display. If you're concerned about your BMW key fob being hacked or copied, know that the security of this device is designed to be built into it. A sophisticated system will ensure that your vehicle is only unlocked when it receives a specific identification signal, which is constantly changes.
Smart Keys
Smart Keys are key fobs that unlock and start your car without the need for an individual key or smartphone. You can use the app on your smartphone to track who entered your car when.
You can find the app on your smartphone's app store or by using the BMW Connected App to log into the Digital Key area. After logging in, you'll be able to view who has access and change any restrictions that may apply.
If you have keys that have Smart Keys, you can use it to open your BMW's doors remotely and utilize Comfort Access features like automatically locking the doors when you approach. You can use the app to set the parking brake. You can also control a number of features of your vehicle with the app, such as changing the volume of your music or setting your climate controls.
The key fob's internal key blade is standard key size, and you can use it to open the door manually as well as utilize Comfort Access features. The key is impervious to water so there's no reason to worry about it getting wet. You should not expose the key to direct sunlight or extreme heat as it may overheat.
Follow these simple steps to program your BMW keyfob to ensure it works with the application on your phone. First, you'll need that your phone is compatible with the Digital Key feature. You'll need to download the BMW Connected App, and log in with your iCloud account. Then, place your iPhone into the smartphone tray. Follow the steps and then activate the BMW Digital Key.
If you're looking to change the battery in your BMW key fob you can do it easily by removing your backplate and swapping out the CR2032 coin cell battery. Be cautious when trying to remove the backplate as it's sealed with glue. If you're not confident doing it yourself, always contact a professional auto locksmith for help.
Proximity keys
Proximity keys are a recent evolution of keyless car entry systems. They don't require physical contact, but instead use a proximity detector to identify the key. This allows the driver to unlock doors and start the car. While this is convenient, it does present certain safety risks.
A major issue is that, just like smartphones and laptops they are susceptible to theft. Criminals can hack the system to send signals for identification to a person who is nearby or use a simple amplifier to take in the signals. Some drivers keep their key fobs in a pouch that blocks signals or cover to ward off this.
Another problem is that drivers may not remember to shut off the vehicle prior to leaving it. If they leave the car running while at the grocery store or dropping it into the cup holder could cause it to begin running which can lead to theft or carbon monoxide poisoning. It is also a common practice for drivers to put their keys in the ignition after leaving home, thinking they have turned the car off. This can lead to theft, or in the case of a hybrid car, carbon monoxide poisoning while the family is asleep.
Additionally, if the key fob becomes lost or the battery fails unexpectedly, the car won't start even if you have the key to open the door. It is crucial to have an extra smart key or spare key to ensure that you or a trusted individual can access your vehicle in the event of an emergency.
Fortunately, these issues are easily solved with the right steps. Be more aware of the location of your key fob, and making sure it's secured and off position before you leave from your vehicle, and by using an alarm system to remind you of what you must do to lower the chance of having proximity key-related problems.
BMW's most sophisticated fob is the Display Key, which comes with an LCD touchscreen. This innovative key is also somewhat more vulnerable to theft, but it's still more secure than standard BMW fobs. Keep your new BMW Display Key away from water and treat it as you read more would treat a smartphone.
Remote Start
If you have a BMW with Remote Start, you can use the BMW Connected app or your key fob to start your car before you get inside. You can heat up your car in the mornings when it's cold in Decatur or cool the cabin on Pekin commutes. If your BMW didn't come with Remote Start, you can upgrade it by purchasing an OEM kit at our parts center and scheduling the service at your convenience.
The button at the base of many BMW key fobs allows you to create an emergency copy of your keys. This can be useful for times when your fob gets wet, or when you're far from an locksmith. Some people also keep a spare key in the fob so that additional family members can get into their cars without having to call our dealership for keyless entry or Comfort Access.
The standard BMW key fob is able to withstand an entire day of rain or a trip to the washing machine. The BMW Display Key with touchscreen, however, is more delicate and shouldn't be kept in water for too long.
BMW key fobs can hold up to three driver profiles, meaning you can customize your vehicle's settings according to the keys you carry with you. When you unlock the correct fob, your iDrive system will set all the relevant settings, from the seat position to radio presets for that profile. If you wish to switch drivers, you simply need to press the lock button twice on the key fob.
If your BMW key fob isn't working correctly, you'll have to replace the battery (a size CR2032) inside. Remove the cover of the fob, then remove the batteries that were in use, and gently insert the new batteries. You can purchase a new BMW key battery from our parts department, or you can buy a replacement online. If your key fob comes with Comfort Access, you will be required to disable the feature and then code the vehicle to remove your current key profile before you pair it with another.